0xharib/xword1 · Datasets at Hugging Face

instruction stringclasses 1 value	input stringlengths 16 143	output stringlengths 40 1.17k
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Most tidy take food into cosy place (7)	### Answer: NEATEST ### Explanation: Definition: Most tidy EAT(take food) contained in(into) NEST(cosy place)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Noted German losing love vanished during hostilities (6)	### Answer: WAGNER ### Explanation: Definition: Noted German GNE{"gone"(vanished) minus(losing) O(looks like zero,love in tennis scores)} contained in(during) WAR(hostilities). Answer: Richard, noted German for the musical notes he put together.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Unimportant manuscript turned up in its entirety (5)	### Answer: SMALL ### Explanation: Definition: Unimportant Reversal of(turned up) MS(abbrev. for manuscript) + ALL(in its entirety).
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Presidential quarters for the oil family? (5)	### Answer: EWING ### Explanation: Definition: oil family E. WING(East Wing, part of the White House, quarters,office and residence, for the US President) Answer: The fictional family with a fortune in oil in "Dallas", an American TV soap opera with its famous season-end cliff-hanger "Who shot J.R.?" Horrors! There's Dallas 2012 coming up!
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Monster is wildly amused (6)	### Answer: MEDUSA ### Explanation: Definition: Monster Anagram of(wildly) AMUSED
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Obedient, putting supplement back in book (8)	### Answer: BIDDABLE ### Explanation: Definition: Obedient Reversal of(back) ADD(to supplement) contained in(putting…in) BIBLE(in lowercase, any book that serves as an authoritative reference on a subject, eg. the crossword solvers' bible).
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Quite a few noticed bagging game (9)	### Answer: SEVENTEEN ### Explanation: Definition: Quite a few SEEN(noticed) containing(bagging) EVENT(a game,match,tie of any sort of game,sports)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Publish recipe in volume (5)	### Answer: PRINT ### Explanation: Definition: Publish R{abbrev. for recipe, much debated in 15sq; to cut that long story short, it's abbreviated from the Latin "recipere" for "to receive", whose imperative form is "to take", which is why medical prescriptions used to be (perhaps still are) abbreviated as the symbol "R with a slash across its tail" } contained in(in) PINT(a measure of volume in the Imperial system, as in "Drink a pinta beer a day", or was that "milk"? 🙂
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Excellent runs? About time! (4)	### Answer: RARE ### Explanation: Definition: Excellent R("runs" in cricket notation) + reversal of(about) ERA(a long time period). Answer: Something rare is deemed excellent (perhaps not for everything?).
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Official's opportunity to get register back (10)	### Answer: CHANCELLOR ### Explanation: Definition: Official CHANCE(opportunity) plus(to get) reversal of(back) ROLL(a register,list)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: First of injections in bottom? Not one thing or the other! (7)	### Answer: NEITHER ### Explanation: Definition: Not one thing or the other I(initial letter,first of "injections") contained in(in) NETHER(adjective describing what's situated below,under, thus one's bottom region). An amusing surface.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Resist fanciful nurse (6)	### Answer: SISTER ### Explanation: Definition: nurse Anagram of(fanciful) RESIST. Answer: A nurse in charge of a hospital ward.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Beastly mother gets covered in dye (6)	### Answer: ANIMAL ### Explanation: Definition: Beastly MA(mother) contained in(gets covered in) ANIL(indigo, a blue dye). Answer: As an adjective, eg. "animal behaviour".
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Observer makes son mess about (7)	### Answer: SPOTTER ### Explanation: Definition: Observer S(abbrev. for son) + POTTER(to mess about, achieving nothing).
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Showing wilfulness the gods ran amok (10)	### Answer: HEADSTRONG ### Explanation: Definition: Showing wilfulness Anagram of(amok) THE GODS RAN.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Endless cheek from women's supporters (4)	### Answer: BRAS ### Explanation: Definition: women's supporters "brass"(cheek, as in "as bold as brass") minus last letter(endless). An amusing surface involving 2 pairs of anatomical regions.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Soldier's spirit returned in Africa (5)	### Answer: NIGER ### Explanation: Definition: in Africa Reversal of(returned) [RE($$R$$oyal $$E$$ngineer, a soldier that builds bridges, etc. in support of the fighters) + GIN(a drink with spirit)]. Answer: A republic in West Africa, and a river thereabouts, and a state in Nigeria, all in Africa.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Fish arrive for artisan (9)	### Answer: CARPENTER ### Explanation: Definition: artisan CARP(one of various types of fish, including freshwater food fish and ornamental fish and pedicuring fish) + ENTER(arrive,come in).
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Knowingly dry Welsh assembly (8)	### Answer: SHREWDLY ### Explanation: Definition: Knowingly Anagram of(assembly) DRY WELSH. Answer: Having the smarts.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Rodent eating Sunday's dessert (6)	### Answer: MOUSSE ### Explanation: Definition: dessert MOUSE(rodent) containing(eating) S(abbrev. for Sunday).
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Slip in mile race (8)	### Answer: MISPRINT ### Explanation: Definition: Slip MI(abbrev. for mile) + SPRINT(race, as a verb – at a fast pace, or as a noun – a short event run at full speed). Answer: What is usually called a "typo" nowadays. Second appearance of PRINT.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Little girl's type of entertainment (9)	### Answer: DIVERSION ### Explanation: Definition: entertainment DI(short form of,little "Diana", girl's name) + VERSION(type,variant).
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Thrilled by pronounced smell (4)	### Answer: SENT ### Explanation: Definition: Thrilled Homophone of(pronounced) "scent",smell. Answer: To be thrilled to a state of delight or excitement. A nice surface.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Prize money initially lacking for part of cricket match (7)	### Answer: INNINGS ### Explanation: Definition: part of cricket match "winnings"(prize money) minus initial letter(initially lacking).
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Pit of despair (10)	### Answer: DEPRESSION ### Explanation: Definition: Pit,despair Double defn.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Proposed legislation about river fish (5)	### Answer: BRILL ### Explanation: Definition: fish BILL(what is proposed in the legislature, to be debated and voted on before becoming legislation) containing(about) R($$r$$iver).
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Hospital department's anger is complete (6)	### Answer: ENTIRE ### Explanation: Definition: complete ENT(abbrev. for the "$$E$$ar, $$N$$ose and $$T$$hroat Department" of a hospital, a favourite of crossword setters) + IRE(anger)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Being late the ruler shows restraint (6)	### Answer: TETHER ### Explanation: Definition: restraint Hidden in(shows) laTE THE Ruler.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Asks for lift from gang? That could be unpleasant! (10)	### Answer: THUMBSCREW ### Explanation: Definition: That could be unpleasant THUMBS(asks for a lift from passing vehicles by showing one's thumb; a common practice in innocent days, long gone since) CREW(gang of workers). Answer: An instrument that when used on you, will definitely be unpleasant.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Interest I developed in illness (9)	### Answer: ENTERITIS ### Explanation: Definition: illness Anagram of(developed) INTEREST I. Answer: Inflammation of the intestines.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Protect Penny's modesty (8)	### Answer: PRESERVE ### Explanation: Definition: Protect P(abbrev. for currency unit, penny) + RESERVE(modesty,shyness)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Car Lily crashed when carried away (7)	### Answer: LYRICAL ### Explanation: Definition: when carried away Anagram of(crashed) CAR LILY. Answer: Involving the expression of spontaneous, enthusiastic feeling,carried away as in "to wax lyrical".
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Sunbathe with dull divers (6)	### Answer: SUNDRY ### Explanation: Definition: divers SUN plus(bathe with) DRY(dull,uninteresting). Defn: Alternative spelling of "diverse". Answer: Varied, as in "all and sundry". Another nice surface.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Recognition for Forrest Gump star (6)	### Answer: THANKS ### Explanation: Definition: Recognition T.HANKS(in full, Tom Hanks, star of the movie "Forrest Gump")
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Risk losing head or spleen (5)	### Answer: ANGER ### Explanation: Definition: spleen "danger"(risk) minus its initial letter(losing head). Answer: Ill-humour,anger, named after the spleen, the organ that was thought to be the seat of emotions such as ill-humour and its opposite, mirth.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Literary captain raised a warning (4)	### Answer: NEMO ### Explanation: Definition: Literary captain Reversal of(raised, in a down clue) OMEN(a warning,portent). Answer: Literary character, the anti-hero, Captain Nemo from the Jules Verne books "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea" and "The Mysterious Island".
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Bob has no trousers (6)	### Answer: SLACKS ### Explanation: Definition: trousers S(abbrev. for the currency unit, shilling, which in turn was called "bob" in English slang) + LACKS(has no,none)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: This will help prisoner grapple with gradient (7)	### Answer: CRAMPON ### Explanation: Definition: This will help,grapple with gradient CON(short form for convict,prisoner) containing(grapple with) RAMP(a slope,gradient). Answer: Spiked iron plate worn with shoes to help,grapple with climbing slopes,gradients. A WIWD(wordplay intertwined with definition) clue. Nice surface – but crampons or no, that will be one hard gradient for any prisoner to climb if he/she wants out.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Shed light on raid, bungled in mad circumstances (9)	### Answer: IRRADIATE ### Explanation: Definition: Shed light on Anagram of(bungled) RAID contained in(in…circumstances) IRATE(mad,angered)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Embryos right to be included in valuable items (5)	### Answer: GERMS ### Explanation: Definition: Embryos R(right) contained in(to be included in) GEMS(valuable items). Answer: The seeds,beginnings,embryos literal or figurative from which things grow, eg. the germ of an idea.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Criticise Russian approval for great beast (5)	### Answer: PANDA ### Explanation: Definition: great beast PAN(criticise, as an antonym of praise) DA(Russian for yes,OK,approval). Answer: Found in China, and also called the giant panda, hence great beast. The lesser panda is now considered to be unrelated to the giant one.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Allowance includes deliveries of fish (5,4)	### Answer: DOVER SOLE ### Explanation: Definition: fish DOLE(allowance under social welfare programmes) containing(includes) OVERS(in cricket, sets of deliveries from bowler to batsman)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Unexpected deterioration makes Romeo slip away (7)	### Answer: RELAPSE ### Explanation: Definition: Unexpected deterioration R(represented by Romeo in the phonetic alphabet) + ELAPSE(to pass by,slip away, as in "how time slips away")
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Soldiers imprisoned feel remorse (6)	### Answer: REPENT ### Explanation: Definition: feel remorse RE(abbrev. for $$R$$oyal $$E$$ngineers,soldiers responsible for engineering support) + PENT(enclosed,imprisoned).
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Complacent about a bit of dirt, earl makes a grubby mark (6)	### Answer: SMUDGE ### Explanation: Definition: grubby mark {SMUG(complacent) containing(about) D(initial letter,a bit of "dirt")} + E(abbrev. for $$e$$arl).
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Sign of rank wrongly shown on her CV (7)	### Answer: CHEVRON ### Explanation: Definition: Sign of rank Anagram of(wrongly shown) ON HER CV. Answer: Stripes worn to indicate rank, eg. 3 of them for a sergeant.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Ascetic is away collecting money (9)	### Answer: ABSTINENT ### Explanation: Definition: Ascetic ABSENT(is away) containing(collecting) TIN(slang for money). Defn. and Answer: As an adjective.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Mourn decapitated bird (5)	### Answer: EGRET ### Explanation: Definition: bird "regret"(mourn) minus its initial letter(decapitated)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: German girl's telescope (5)	### Answer: GLASS ### Explanation: Definition: telescope G(abbrev. for $$G$$erman) + LASS(girl). Answer: Shortened from "spyglass", a handy telescope formerly (and still?) used by mariners, surveyors, military personnel, astronomers and the like.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Naughty Cora happy having religious books (9)	### Answer: APOCRYPHA ### Explanation: Definition: religious books Anagram of(naughty) CORA HAPPY. Answer: With an initial capital letter, a specific set of religious books. In lower case letters, various religious books of uncertain or doubtful origin and authenticity.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Stop advertising sporting occasion (7)	### Answer: PREVENT ### Explanation: Definition: Stop PR(abbrev. for $$p$$ublic $$r$$elations, a significant part of which is advertising) + EVENT(a sporting occasion)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Dare he produce stick? (6)	### Answer: ADHERE ### Explanation: Definition: stick Anagram of(produce) DARE HE
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Leader bearing cure (7)	### Answer: SKIPPER ### Explanation: Definition: Leader S(abbrev. for south, the compass bearing) + KIPPER(to cure various fish by splitting, salting, drying, and smoking).
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: A couple working in protective clothing (5)	### Answer: APRON ### Explanation: Definition: protective clothing A + PR{this time, abbrev. for "$$p$$ai$$r$$"(couple)} + ON(working, as in switched on for an appliance).
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Youngster drifted off! That's novel! (9)	### Answer: KIDNAPPED ### Explanation: Definition: novel KID(youngster, especially a young goat) + NAPPED(drifted off into some shuteye). Answer: A Robert Louis Stevenson novel described as a historical fiction adventure.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: One breaking sharp knife (7)	### Answer: CLEAVER ### Explanation: Definition: knife A(one) contained in(breaking) CLEVER(sharp,smart).
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Some strangers give offence (5)	### Answer: ANGER ### Explanation: Definition: give offence Hidden in(some) strANGERs.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Colleague stifles cry of shareholder (4-5)	### Answer: PART-OWNER ### Explanation: Definition: shareholder PARTNER(colleague or perhaps more) containing(stifles) OW(cry of pain, perhaps).
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: A number reached Slough and ate (6)	### Answer: NOSHED ### Explanation: Definition: ate NO(abbrev. for number) plus(reached) SHED(slough off, eg. dead skin). Answer: Snacked between meals, derived from the Yiddish for "nibble".
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Charge theologian during auction (6)	### Answer: SADDLE ### Explanation: Definition: Charge DD(what a theologian might add to his/her name, abbrev. for Doctor of Divinity, the degree awarded to a theology graduate) contained in(during) SALE(an example of which is an auction). Defn. and Answer: To impose as a burden or responsibility.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Household object Adam helps redesign (9)	### Answer: LAMPSHADE ### Explanation: Definition: Household object Anagram of(redesign) ADAM HELPS.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Penny made mention of choice (9)	### Answer: PREFERRED ### Explanation: Definition: of choice P(abbrev. for the unit of currency, penny) + REFERRED(mentioned). Answer: Adjective describing something that one prefers, eg. "setter of choice".
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Echo support six-footer cultivated (7)	### Answer: ELEGANT ### Explanation: Definition: cultivated E(represented by "echo" in the phonetic alphabet) + LEG(a support) + ANT(an insect with six legs and feet). Defn: As an adjective.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Caught German with new material (6)	### Answer: COTTON ### Explanation: Definition: material C(abbrev. for caught in cricket notation) + OTTO(favourite German name with crossword setters) plus(with) N($$n$$ew)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Rise in metal cost is radical (7)	### Answer: NITRATE ### Explanation: Definition: radical Reversal of(rise, in a down clue) TIN(a metal) + RATE(a cost). Defn. and Answer: In chemistry, 2 or more atoms specifically arranged and behaving, as a group. An example is the nitrate radical consisting of a nitrogen atom and 3 oxygen atoms.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Report finished into jail (4,2)	### Answer: BANG UP ### Explanation: Definition: into jail BANG(a report,loud noise) + UP(finished,over, as in "time's up"). Answer: In prison slang, to lock up a prisoner into his/her cell, especially for the night. New to me.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Outlet for children (5)	### Answer: ISSUE ### Explanation: Definition: Outlet,children Double defn.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Lament taking gym for money (5)	### Answer: RUPEE ### Explanation: Definition: money RUE(to lament,regret) containing(taking) PE(gym,period in school spent in the gym doing $$p$$hysical $$e$$xercise). Answer: Current and former currency unit of various countries including India and Pakistan.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Volcanic rock turned up by little creatures (6)	### Answer: PUMICE ### Explanation: Definition: Volcanic rock Reversal of(turned) UP plus(by) MICE(little creatures) Answer: Type of volcanic rock that floats in water.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: As discs they are unsurpassed (7)	### Answer: RECORDS ### Explanation: Definition: they are unsurpassed Cryptic defn: Results of competitive events that are unsurpassed – for the time being, at least. And gramophone records are also shellac and later vinyl discs that were once THE medium for sound reproduction. I suppose I could also call this a double defn. clue, but I thought a better construction for a double defn. would have been "They are unsurpassed discs."
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: End woeful prayer in Irish county (9)	### Answer: TIPPERARY ### Explanation: Definition: Irish county TIP(end, say, of a stick or something sticking out, say, a tongue) + anagram of(woeful) PRAYER
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Nine-to-five, say, when allowance is curtailed (5)	### Answer: RATIO ### Explanation: Definition: Nine-to-five, say "ration"(an allowance measured and handed out) minus its last letter(is curtailed). Answer: A proportion like,say, of 9 parts to 5 parts.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Source of berries for community leader (5)	### Answer: ELDER ### Explanation: Definition: Source of berries,community leader Double defn: 1st: Plant bearing berries.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Old genius transformed pest control treatment (9)	### Answer: DELOUSING ### Explanation: Definition: pest control treatment Anagram of(transformed) OLD GENIUS
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Dash back with German article for part-exchange (5-2)	### Answer: TRADE-IN ### Explanation: Definition: part-exchange Reversal of(back) DART(dash,move swiftly) plus(with) EIN(in German, the article "a").
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Obsequious subordinates close to tears in Arab country (3-3)	### Answer: YES-MEN ### Explanation: Definition: Obsequious subordinates S(last letter of,close to "tears") contained in(in) YEMEN(Arab country that is the only republic in the Arabian peninsula).
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Good landlords providing spirits (6)	### Answer: GHOSTS ### Explanation: Definition: spirits G($$g$$ood) HOSTS(landlords who have paying guests, ie. customers, in the hospitality industry). Nice surface.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Barbara Castle? (7)	### Answer: WINDSOR ### Explanation: Definition: Barbara,Castle Double defn: 1st: Barbara, actress's stage name, in the Carry On… series of films in the 60s and 70s and later in the TV soap opera EastEnders; and 2nd: English royal residence,castle. The question mark denotes the ambiguity with Barbara Castle, late Baroness, former Labour Party politician and Cabinet Minister.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Cocky prisoner in the chair, so to speak (9)	### Answer: CONCEITED ### Explanation: Definition: Cocky Hidden in(so to speak) "con"(short for convict,prisoner) + "seated"(in the chair).
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Farewell from police officer in a multinational group (5)	### Answer: ADIEU ### Explanation: Definition: Farewell DI(abbrev. for detective inspector,police officer) contained in(in) [A + EU($$E$$uropean $$U$$nion,multinational group).
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Network's first to plug old tune that's being broadcast (2,3)	### Answer: ON AIR ### Explanation: Definition: being broadcast N("network"'s first letter) contained in(to plug) [O($$o$$ld) + AIR(a tune)].
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Desperate jockey's final obstacle? (4-5)	### Answer: LAST-DITCH ### Explanation: Definition: Desperate In the steeplechase (the term originating from a race across country, going from church steeple to church steeple), a jockey's (and his horse's) final,last obstacle might well be a ditch. Answer: Adjective for a last-chance desperate attempt, such as a last-ditch negotiation.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Section of étude Sir Edward wanted (7)	### Answer: DESIRED ### Explanation: Definition: wanted Hidden in(section of) etuDE SIR Edward.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Doctor gets Conservative backing to reveal decay (3,3)	### Answer: DRY ROT ### Explanation: Definition: decay DR(abbrev. for doctor) plus(gets) reversal of(backing) TORY(member of the Conservative Party).
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: One requiring treatment and prepared to wait (7)	### Answer: PATIENT ### Explanation: Definition: One requiring treatment,prepared to wait Double defn.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Was blue bike seen here? (5)	### Answer: MOPED ### Explanation: Definition: Was blue,bike seen here Double defn. 2nd: Originally a sort of motorised bicycle; the word being derived from $$mo$$tor + $$ped$$al. As with 4 Across, I thought the clue could be shorter still. "Bike was blue." might have been a better construction?
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Old TV series about Les? Miserable! (9)	### Answer: CHEERLESS ### Explanation: Definition: Miserable CHEERS(old American TV series) containing(about) LES. A deliberately incomplete reference to Les Miserables. Something to bring back the memories –
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Payment to author from people in palaces? (7)	### Answer: ROYALTY ### Explanation: Definition: Payment to author,people in palaces? Double defn.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Popular holiday destination caught four out (5)	### Answer: CORFU ### Explanation: Definition: Popular holiday destination C(abbrev. for "caught" in cricket notation) + anagram of(out) FOUR. Answer: Historic Greek island getting lots of tourists.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Those who keep servants (9)	### Answer: RETAINERS ### Explanation: Definition: Those who keep,servants Double defn.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Clean cake (6)	### Answer: SPONGE ### Explanation: Definition: Clean,cake Double defn: 1st: To clean,wash with a sponge; and 2nd: Type of cake with a porous texture, ie. like a sponge.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Such a flight would be the first for Virgin (6)	### Answer: MAIDEN ### Explanation: Definition: Such a flight would be the first,Virgin Double defn. The surface refers to Virgin Atlantic, airline founded by Sir Richard Branson.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: The inn, as a resort for Greeks (9)	### Answer: ATHENIANS ### Explanation: Definition: Greeks Anagram of(resort) THE INN AS A.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Stand near helter-skelter in Spanish city (9)	### Answer: SANTANDER ### Explanation: Definition: Spanish city Anagram of(helter-skelter,in a haphazard manner) STAND NEAR.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Weather forecast no longer an issue? (7)	### Answer: SETTLED ### Explanation: Definition: Weather forecast,no longer an issue? Double defn: 1st: Descriptive of calm weather conditions.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: View, finally, that is most extensive (6)	### Answer: WIDEST ### Explanation: Definition: most extensive W(last letter,finally of "view") + ID EST(Latin for "that is", usually abbreviated to "i.e.")
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Take no comfort in organised riot — ugh! (5,2)	### Answer: ROUGH IT ### Explanation: Definition: Take no comfort Anagram of(organised) RIOT UGH. Answer: Not to avail oneself of,take no comfort, eg. when going camping in the wild.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: A group of notes, we hear, producing harmony (6)	### Answer: ACCORD ### Explanation: Definition: harmony Homophone of(we hear) A CHORD(a group of notes played simultaneously to produce a composite harmonious sound; the word "chord" being derived from "accord",harmony)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Panic, losing head? There's something wrong there (5)	### Answer: ERROR ### Explanation: Definition: There's something wrong there "terror"(panic) minus(losing) "t",its initial letter,head.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Bury artist after pop's popped off (5)	### Answer: INTER ### Explanation: Definition: Bury "painter"(artist) minus(popped off) "pa"(father,pop derived from "poppa", in turn a variant of "papa").

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Most tidy take food into cosy place (7)

### Answer: NEATEST ### Explanation: Definition: Most tidy EAT(take food) **contained in**(into) NEST(cosy place)

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Noted German losing love vanished during hostilities (6)

### Answer: WAGNER ### Explanation: Definition: Noted German GNE{"gone"(vanished) **minus**(losing) O(looks like zero,love in tennis scores)} **contained in**(during) WAR(hostilities). Answer: Richard, noted German for the musical notes he put together.

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Unimportant manuscript turned up in its entirety (5)

### Answer: SMALL ### Explanation: Definition: Unimportant **Reversal of**(turned up) MS(abbrev. for manuscript) + ALL(in its entirety).

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Presidential quarters for the oil family? (5)

### Answer: EWING ### Explanation: Definition: oil family E. WING(East Wing, part of the White House, quarters,office and residence, for the US President) Answer: The fictional family with a fortune in oil in "Dallas", an American TV soap opera with its famous season-end cliff-hanger "Who shot J.R.?" Horrors! There's Dallas 2012 coming up!

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Monster is wildly amused (6)

### Answer: MEDUSA ### Explanation: Definition: Monster **Anagram of**(wildly) AMUSED

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Obedient, putting supplement back in book (8)

### Answer: BIDDABLE ### Explanation: Definition: Obedient **Reversal of**(back) ADD(to supplement) **contained in**(putting…in) BIBLE(in lowercase, any book that serves as an authoritative reference on a subject, eg. the crossword solvers' bible).

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Quite a few noticed bagging game (9)

### Answer: SEVENTEEN ### Explanation: Definition: Quite a few SEEN(noticed) **containing**(bagging) EVENT(a game,match,tie of any sort of game,sports)

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Publish recipe in volume (5)

### Answer: PRINT ### Explanation: Definition: Publish R{abbrev. for recipe, much debated in 15sq; to cut that long story short, it's abbreviated from the Latin "recipere" for "to receive", whose imperative form is "to take", which is why medical prescriptions used to be (perhaps still are) abbreviated as the symbol "R with a slash across its tail" } **contained in**(in) PINT(a measure of volume in the Imperial system, as in "Drink a pinta beer a day", or was that "milk"? 🙂

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Excellent runs? About time! (4)

### Answer: RARE ### Explanation: Definition: Excellent R("runs" in cricket notation) + **reversal of**(about) ERA(a long time period). Answer: Something rare is deemed excellent (perhaps not for everything?).

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Official's opportunity to get register back (10)

### Answer: CHANCELLOR ### Explanation: Definition: Official CHANCE(opportunity) **plus**(to get) **reversal of**(back) ROLL(a register,list)

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: First of injections in bottom? Not one thing or the other! (7)

### Answer: NEITHER ### Explanation: Definition: Not one thing or the other I(initial letter,first of "injections") **contained in**(in) NETHER(adjective describing what's situated below,under, thus one's bottom region). An amusing surface.

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Resist fanciful nurse (6)

### Answer: SISTER ### Explanation: Definition: nurse **Anagram of**(fanciful) RESIST. Answer: A nurse in charge of a hospital ward.

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Beastly mother gets covered in dye (6)

### Answer: ANIMAL ### Explanation: Definition: Beastly MA(mother) **contained in**(gets covered in) ANIL(indigo, a blue dye). Answer: As an adjective, eg. "animal behaviour".

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Observer makes son mess about (7)

### Answer: SPOTTER ### Explanation: Definition: Observer S(abbrev. for son) + POTTER(to mess about, achieving nothing).

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Showing wilfulness the gods ran amok (10)

### Answer: HEADSTRONG ### Explanation: Definition: Showing wilfulness **Anagram of**(amok) THE GODS RAN.

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Endless cheek from women's supporters (4)

### Answer: BRAS ### Explanation: Definition: women's supporters "brass"(cheek, as in "as bold as brass") **minus** last letter(endless). An amusing surface involving 2 pairs of anatomical regions.

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Soldier's spirit returned in Africa (5)

### Answer: NIGER ### Explanation: Definition: in Africa **Reversal of**(returned) [RE($$R$$oyal $$E$$ngineer, a soldier that builds bridges, etc. in support of the fighters) + GIN(a drink with spirit)]. Answer: A republic in West Africa, and a river thereabouts, and a state in Nigeria, all in Africa.

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Fish arrive for artisan (9)

### Answer: CARPENTER ### Explanation: Definition: artisan CARP(one of various types of fish, including freshwater food fish and ornamental fish and pedicuring fish) + ENTER(arrive,come in).

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Knowingly dry Welsh assembly (8)

### Answer: SHREWDLY ### Explanation: Definition: Knowingly **Anagram of**(assembly) DRY WELSH. Answer: Having the smarts.

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Rodent eating Sunday's dessert (6)

### Answer: MOUSSE ### Explanation: Definition: dessert MOUSE(rodent) **containing**(eating) S(abbrev. for Sunday).

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Slip in mile race (8)

### Answer: MISPRINT ### Explanation: Definition: Slip MI(abbrev. for mile) + SPRINT(race, as a verb – at a fast pace, or as a noun – a short event run at full speed). Answer: What is usually called a "typo" nowadays. Second appearance of PRINT.

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Little girl's type of entertainment (9)

### Answer: DIVERSION ### Explanation: Definition: entertainment DI(short form of,little "Diana", girl's name) + VERSION(type,variant).

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Thrilled by pronounced smell (4)

### Answer: SENT ### Explanation: Definition: Thrilled **Homophone of**(pronounced) "scent",smell. Answer: To be thrilled to a state of delight or excitement. A nice surface.

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Prize money initially lacking for part of cricket match (7)

### Answer: INNINGS ### Explanation: Definition: part of cricket match "winnings"(prize money) **minus** initial letter(initially lacking).

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Pit of despair (10)

### Answer: DEPRESSION ### Explanation: Definition: Pit,despair Double defn.

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Proposed legislation about river fish (5)

### Answer: BRILL ### Explanation: Definition: fish BILL(what is proposed in the legislature, to be debated and voted on before becoming legislation) **containing**(about) R($$r$$iver).

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Hospital department's anger is complete (6)

### Answer: ENTIRE ### Explanation: Definition: complete ENT(abbrev. for the "$$E$$ar, $$N$$ose and $$T$$hroat Department" of a hospital, a favourite of crossword setters) + IRE(anger)

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Being late the ruler shows restraint (6)

### Answer: TETHER ### Explanation: Definition: restraint **Hidden in**(shows) laTE THE Ruler.

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Asks for lift from gang? That could be unpleasant! (10)

### Answer: THUMBSCREW ### Explanation: Definition: That could be unpleasant THUMBS(asks for a lift from passing vehicles by showing one's thumb; a common practice in innocent days, long gone since) CREW(gang of workers). Answer: An instrument that when used on you, will definitely be unpleasant.

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Interest I developed in illness (9)

### Answer: ENTERITIS ### Explanation: Definition: illness **Anagram of**(developed) INTEREST I. Answer: Inflammation of the intestines.

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Protect Penny's modesty (8)

### Answer: PRESERVE ### Explanation: Definition: Protect P(abbrev. for currency unit, penny) + RESERVE(modesty,shyness)

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Car Lily crashed when carried away (7)

### Answer: LYRICAL ### Explanation: Definition: when carried away **Anagram of**(crashed) CAR LILY. Answer: Involving the expression of spontaneous, enthusiastic feeling,carried away as in "to wax lyrical".

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Sunbathe with dull divers (6)

### Answer: SUNDRY ### Explanation: Definition: divers SUN **plus**(bathe with) DRY(dull,uninteresting). Defn: Alternative spelling of "diverse". Answer: Varied, as in "all and sundry". Another nice surface.

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Recognition for Forrest Gump star (6)

### Answer: THANKS ### Explanation: Definition: Recognition T.HANKS(in full, Tom Hanks, star of the movie "Forrest Gump")

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Risk losing head or spleen (5)

### Answer: ANGER ### Explanation: Definition: spleen "danger"(risk) **minus** its initial letter(losing head). Answer: Ill-humour,anger, named after the spleen, the organ that was thought to be the seat of emotions such as ill-humour and its opposite, mirth.

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Literary captain raised a warning (4)

### Answer: NEMO ### Explanation: Definition: Literary captain **Reversal of**(raised, in a down clue) OMEN(a warning,portent). Answer: Literary character, the anti-hero, Captain Nemo from the Jules Verne books "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea" and "The Mysterious Island".

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Bob has no trousers (6)

### Answer: SLACKS ### Explanation: Definition: trousers S(abbrev. for the currency unit, shilling, which in turn was called "bob" in English slang) + LACKS(has no,none)

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: This will help prisoner grapple with gradient (7)

### Answer: CRAMPON ### Explanation: Definition: This will help,grapple with gradient CON(short form for convict,prisoner) **containing**(grapple with) RAMP(a slope,gradient). Answer: Spiked iron plate worn with shoes to help,grapple with climbing slopes,gradients. A WIWD(wordplay intertwined with definition) clue. Nice surface – but crampons or no, that will be one hard gradient for any prisoner to climb if he/she wants out.

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Shed light on raid, bungled in mad circumstances (9)

### Answer: IRRADIATE ### Explanation: Definition: Shed light on **Anagram of**(bungled) RAID **contained in**(in…circumstances) IRATE(mad,angered)

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Embryos right to be included in valuable items (5)

### Answer: GERMS ### Explanation: Definition: Embryos R(right) **contained in**(to be included in) GEMS(valuable items). Answer: The seeds,beginnings,embryos literal or figurative from which things grow, eg. the germ of an idea.

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Criticise Russian approval for great beast (5)

### Answer: PANDA ### Explanation: Definition: great beast PAN(criticise, as an antonym of praise) DA(Russian for yes,OK,approval). Answer: Found in China, and also called the giant panda, hence great beast. The lesser panda is now considered to be unrelated to the giant one.

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Allowance includes deliveries of fish (5,4)

### Answer: DOVER SOLE ### Explanation: Definition: fish DOLE(allowance under social welfare programmes) **containing**(includes) OVERS(in cricket, sets of deliveries from bowler to batsman)

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Unexpected deterioration makes Romeo slip away (7)

### Answer: RELAPSE ### Explanation: Definition: Unexpected deterioration R(represented by Romeo in the phonetic alphabet) + ELAPSE(to pass by,slip away, as in "how time slips away")

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Soldiers imprisoned feel remorse (6)

### Answer: REPENT ### Explanation: Definition: feel remorse RE(abbrev. for $$R$$oyal $$E$$ngineers,soldiers responsible for engineering support) + PENT(enclosed,imprisoned).

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Complacent about a bit of dirt, earl makes a grubby mark (6)

### Answer: SMUDGE ### Explanation: Definition: grubby mark {SMUG(complacent) **containing**(about) D(initial letter,a bit of "dirt")} + E(abbrev. for $$e$$arl).

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Sign of rank wrongly shown on her CV (7)

### Answer: CHEVRON ### Explanation: Definition: Sign of rank **Anagram of**(wrongly shown) ON HER CV. Answer: Stripes worn to indicate rank, eg. 3 of them for a sergeant.

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Ascetic is away collecting money (9)

### Answer: ABSTINENT ### Explanation: Definition: Ascetic ABSENT(is away) **containing**(collecting) TIN(slang for money). Defn. and Answer: As an adjective.

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Mourn decapitated bird (5)

### Answer: EGRET ### Explanation: Definition: bird "regret"(mourn) **minus** its initial letter(decapitated)

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: German girl's telescope (5)

### Answer: GLASS ### Explanation: Definition: telescope G(abbrev. for $$G$$erman) + LASS(girl). Answer: Shortened from "spyglass", a handy telescope formerly (and still?) used by mariners, surveyors, military personnel, astronomers and the like.

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Naughty Cora happy having religious books (9)

### Answer: APOCRYPHA ### Explanation: Definition: religious books **Anagram of**(naughty) CORA HAPPY. Answer: With an initial capital letter, a specific set of religious books. In lower case letters, various religious books of uncertain or doubtful origin and authenticity.

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Stop advertising sporting occasion (7)

### Answer: PREVENT ### Explanation: Definition: Stop PR(abbrev. for $$p$$ublic $$r$$elations, a significant part of which is advertising) + EVENT(a sporting occasion)

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Dare he produce stick? (6)

### Answer: ADHERE ### Explanation: Definition: stick **Anagram of**(produce) DARE HE

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Leader bearing cure (7)

### Answer: SKIPPER ### Explanation: Definition: Leader S(abbrev. for south, the compass bearing) + KIPPER(to cure various fish by splitting, salting, drying, and smoking).

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: A couple working in protective clothing (5)

### Answer: APRON ### Explanation: Definition: protective clothing A + PR{this time, abbrev. for "$$p$$ai$$r$$"(couple)} + ON(working, as in switched on for an appliance).

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Youngster drifted off! That's novel! (9)

### Answer: KIDNAPPED ### Explanation: Definition: novel KID(youngster, especially a young goat) + NAPPED(drifted off into some shuteye). Answer: A Robert Louis Stevenson novel described as a historical fiction adventure.

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: One breaking sharp knife (7)

### Answer: CLEAVER ### Explanation: Definition: knife A(one) **contained in**(breaking) CLEVER(sharp,smart).

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Some strangers give offence (5)

### Answer: ANGER ### Explanation: Definition: give offence **Hidden in**(some) strANGERs.

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Colleague stifles cry of shareholder (4-5)

### Answer: PART-OWNER ### Explanation: Definition: shareholder PARTNER(colleague or perhaps more) **containing**(stifles) OW(cry of pain, perhaps).

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: A number reached Slough and ate (6)

### Answer: NOSHED ### Explanation: Definition: ate NO(abbrev. for number) **plus**(reached) SHED(slough off, eg. dead skin). Answer: Snacked between meals, derived from the Yiddish for "nibble".

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Charge theologian during auction (6)

### Answer: SADDLE ### Explanation: Definition: Charge DD(what a theologian might add to his/her name, abbrev. for Doctor of Divinity, the degree awarded to a theology graduate) **contained in**(during) SALE(an example of which is an auction). Defn. and Answer: To impose as a burden or responsibility.

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Household object Adam helps redesign (9)

### Answer: LAMPSHADE ### Explanation: Definition: Household object **Anagram of**(redesign) ADAM HELPS.

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Penny made mention of choice (9)

### Answer: PREFERRED ### Explanation: Definition: of choice P(abbrev. for the unit of currency, penny) + REFERRED(mentioned). Answer: Adjective describing something that one prefers, eg. "setter of choice".

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Echo support six-footer cultivated (7)

### Answer: ELEGANT ### Explanation: Definition: cultivated E(represented by "echo" in the phonetic alphabet) + LEG(a support) + ANT(an insect with six legs and feet). Defn: As an adjective.

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Caught German with new material (6)

### Answer: COTTON ### Explanation: Definition: material C(abbrev. for caught in cricket notation) + OTTO(favourite German name with crossword setters) **plus**(with) N($$n$$ew)

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Rise in metal cost is radical (7)

### Answer: NITRATE ### Explanation: Definition: radical **Reversal of**(rise, in a down clue) TIN(a metal) + RATE(a cost). Defn. and Answer: In chemistry, 2 or more atoms specifically arranged and behaving, as a group. An example is the nitrate radical consisting of a nitrogen atom and 3 oxygen atoms.

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Report finished into jail (4,2)

### Answer: BANG UP ### Explanation: Definition: into jail BANG(a report,loud noise) + UP(finished,over, as in "time's up"). Answer: In prison slang, to lock up a prisoner into his/her cell, especially for the night. New to me.

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Outlet for children (5)

### Answer: ISSUE ### Explanation: Definition: Outlet,children Double defn.

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Lament taking gym for money (5)

### Answer: RUPEE ### Explanation: Definition: money RUE(to lament,regret) **containing**(taking) PE(gym,period in school spent in the gym doing $$p$$hysical $$e$$xercise). Answer: Current and former currency unit of various countries including India and Pakistan.

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Volcanic rock turned up by little creatures (6)

### Answer: PUMICE ### Explanation: Definition: Volcanic rock **Reversal of**(turned) UP **plus**(by) MICE(little creatures) Answer: Type of volcanic rock that floats in water.

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: As discs they are unsurpassed (7)

### Answer: RECORDS ### Explanation: Definition: they are unsurpassed Cryptic defn: Results of competitive events that are unsurpassed – for the time being, at least. And gramophone records are also shellac and later vinyl discs that were once THE medium for sound reproduction. I suppose I could also call this a double defn. clue, but I thought a better construction for a double defn. would have been "They are unsurpassed discs."

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: End woeful prayer in Irish county (9)

### Answer: TIPPERARY ### Explanation: Definition: Irish county TIP(end, say, of a stick or something sticking out, say, a tongue) + **anagram of**(woeful) PRAYER

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Nine-to-five, say, when allowance is curtailed (5)

### Answer: RATIO ### Explanation: Definition: Nine-to-five, say "ration"(an allowance measured and handed out) **minus** its last letter(is curtailed). Answer: A proportion like,say, of 9 parts to 5 parts.

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Source of berries for community leader (5)

### Answer: ELDER ### Explanation: Definition: Source of berries,community leader Double defn: 1st: Plant bearing berries.

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Old genius transformed pest control treatment (9)

### Answer: DELOUSING ### Explanation: Definition: pest control treatment **Anagram of**(transformed) OLD GENIUS

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Dash back with German article for part-exchange (5-2)

### Answer: TRADE-IN ### Explanation: Definition: part-exchange **Reversal of**(back) DART(dash,move swiftly) **plus**(with) EIN(in German, the article "a").

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Obsequious subordinates close to tears in Arab country (3-3)

### Answer: YES-MEN ### Explanation: Definition: Obsequious subordinates S(last letter of,close to "tears") **contained in**(in) YEMEN(Arab country that is the only republic in the Arabian peninsula).

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Good landlords providing spirits (6)

### Answer: GHOSTS ### Explanation: Definition: spirits G($$g$$ood) HOSTS(landlords who have paying guests, ie. customers, in the hospitality industry). Nice surface.

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Barbara Castle? (7)

### Answer: WINDSOR ### Explanation: Definition: Barbara,Castle Double defn: 1st: Barbara, actress's stage name, in the Carry On… series of films in the 60s and 70s and later in the TV soap opera EastEnders; and 2nd: English royal residence,castle. The question mark denotes the ambiguity with Barbara Castle, late Baroness, former Labour Party politician and Cabinet Minister.

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Cocky prisoner in the chair, so to speak (9)

### Answer: CONCEITED ### Explanation: Definition: Cocky **Hidden in**(so to speak) "con"(short for convict,prisoner) + "seated"(in the chair).

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Farewell from police officer in a multinational group (5)

### Answer: ADIEU ### Explanation: Definition: Farewell DI(abbrev. for detective inspector,police officer) **contained in**(in) [A + EU($$E$$uropean $$U$$nion,multinational group).

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Network's first to plug old tune that's being broadcast (2,3)

### Answer: ON AIR ### Explanation: Definition: being broadcast N("network"'s first letter) **contained in**(to plug) [O($$o$$ld) + AIR(a tune)].

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Desperate jockey's final obstacle? (4-5)

### Answer: LAST-DITCH ### Explanation: Definition: Desperate In the steeplechase (the term originating from a race across country, going from church steeple to church steeple), a jockey's (and his horse's) final,last obstacle might well be a ditch. Answer: Adjective for a last-chance desperate attempt, such as a last-ditch negotiation.

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Section of étude Sir Edward wanted (7)

### Answer: DESIRED ### Explanation: Definition: wanted **Hidden in**(section of) etuDE SIR Edward.

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Doctor gets Conservative backing to reveal decay (3,3)

### Answer: DRY ROT ### Explanation: Definition: decay DR(abbrev. for doctor) **plus**(gets) **reversal of**(backing) TORY(member of the Conservative Party).

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: One requiring treatment and prepared to wait (7)

### Answer: PATIENT ### Explanation: Definition: One requiring treatment,prepared to wait Double defn.

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Was blue bike seen here? (5)

### Answer: MOPED ### Explanation: Definition: Was blue,bike seen here Double defn. 2nd: Originally a sort of motorised bicycle; the word being derived from $$mo$$tor + $$ped$$al. As with 4 Across, I thought the clue could be shorter still. "Bike was blue." might have been a better construction?

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Old TV series about Les? Miserable! (9)

### Answer: CHEERLESS ### Explanation: Definition: Miserable CHEERS(old American TV series) **containing**(about) LES. A deliberately incomplete reference to Les Miserables. Something to bring back the memories –

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Payment to author from people in palaces? (7)

### Answer: ROYALTY ### Explanation: Definition: Payment to author,people in palaces? Double defn.

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Popular holiday destination caught four out (5)

### Answer: CORFU ### Explanation: Definition: Popular holiday destination C(abbrev. for "caught" in cricket notation) + **anagram of**(out) FOUR. Answer: Historic Greek island getting lots of tourists.

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Those who keep servants (9)

### Answer: RETAINERS ### Explanation: Definition: Those who keep,servants Double defn.

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Clean cake (6)

### Answer: SPONGE ### Explanation: Definition: Clean,cake Double defn: 1st: To clean,wash with a sponge; and 2nd: Type of cake with a porous texture, ie. like a sponge.

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Such a flight would be the first for Virgin (6)

### Answer: MAIDEN ### Explanation: Definition: Such a flight would be the first,Virgin Double defn. The surface refers to Virgin Atlantic, airline founded by Sir Richard Branson.

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: The inn, as a resort for Greeks (9)

### Answer: ATHENIANS ### Explanation: Definition: Greeks **Anagram of**(resort) THE INN AS A.

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Stand near helter-skelter in Spanish city (9)

### Answer: SANTANDER ### Explanation: Definition: Spanish city **Anagram of**(helter-skelter,in a haphazard manner) STAND NEAR.

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Weather forecast no longer an issue? (7)

### Answer: SETTLED ### Explanation: Definition: Weather forecast,no longer an issue? Double defn: 1st: Descriptive of calm weather conditions.

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: View, finally, that is most extensive (6)

### Answer: WIDEST ### Explanation: Definition: most extensive W(last letter,finally of "view") + ID EST(Latin for "that is", usually abbreviated to "i.e.")

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Take no comfort in organised riot — ugh! (5,2)

### Answer: ROUGH IT ### Explanation: Definition: Take no comfort **Anagram of**(organised) RIOT UGH. Answer: Not to avail oneself of,take no comfort, eg. when going camping in the wild.

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: A group of notes, we hear, producing harmony (6)

### Answer: ACCORD ### Explanation: Definition: harmony **Homophone of**(we hear) A CHORD(a group of notes played simultaneously to produce a composite harmonious sound; the word "chord" being derived from "accord",harmony)

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Panic, losing head? There's something wrong there (5)

### Answer: ERROR ### Explanation: Definition: There's something wrong there "terror"(panic) **minus**(losing) "t",its initial letter,head.

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Bury artist after pop's popped off (5)

### Answer: INTER ### Explanation: Definition: Bury "painter"(artist) **minus**(popped off) "pa"(father,pop derived from "poppa", in turn a variant of "papa").